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Your comments on the celebration of Indonesia’s 67th Independence
Day, amid the struggle to address the nation’s various problems, and
what makes you proud to be Indonesian:
I can say loudly I am proud of being an Indonesian. Whenever I go abroad I always show it off, wearing batik clothes, Indonesian made bags and shoes, and brag to my foreigner friends how beautiful and safe my country is.
I do this because they once asked me if Indonesia is a safe country, free of terrorists, and whether the people are educated. It was in the year 2005! I thought “What a pity. There are lots of things to show off here and more to be proud of now.”
Besides the undoubtedly amazing places, friendly people, great leaders and businessmen, this country now should be proud about improving health in remote areas, the successful implementation of free education for children until grade nine, and the work of the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK).
The government has been trying to promote other parts of the archipelago as tourist destinations and to boost investments. It’s our job as Indonesian citizens to do this as well.
Yenny V.
Bogor, West Java
I was part of the struggle for our national independence. Come the 67th observation of Independence Day, I will still be proud to raise the Red-and-White in front of my small castle amid the problems we have all created.
Together we can build and rebuild to make a desirable nation where each and every citizen, from Sabang to Merauke, can benefit from fruits of independence.
I will never give up on promoting the welfare of our people under the banners of Pancasila and Bhineka Tunggal Ika (Unity in Diversity), lest negative foreign influences get ahead of us.
This is my promise to the fallen whenever I pay a visit to Kalibata Heroes Cemeteries.
Moeljono Adikoesoemo
Jakarta
Indonesia has a large number things to be proud of compared to other nations.
Indonesia is the world’s third-largest democratic country and the most populous Muslim-majority country, with a Muslim population larger than any Middle Eastern country’s.
Indonesian Muslims can showcase that Islam, democracy and modernity can go hand in hand, providing a bridge between Islam and the West.
From an economic standpoint, Indonesia has the largest economy in Southeast Asia and the world’s 16th-largest economy. The nation is the only representative from ASEAN in the G20.
Indonesia had robust economic growth at 6.3 percent in the first half of 2012, the second fastest in the G20 after China, thanks to buoyant domestic demand from our population, the world’s fourth-largest, and a blessing of natural resources.
Indonesia is the world’s biggest exporter of CPO and thermal coal, the world’s second-largest producer of cocoa and tin and one of the largest producers of steel, copper, rubber and fisheries products as well.
The international community has gradually been acknowledging Indonesia’s significant potential to influence global policy making.
We, as a nation, should be optimistic about our rosy future despite impediments such as rampant corruption, poor infrastructure, poverty, income disparities and other structural and critical constraints.
With such phenomenal achievements and international recognition, we are able to stand firm before other nations and proclaim our sense of pride of the greatness of Indonesia.
Ronald S
Jakarta
Is this a sign that we’ve dropped nationalism? This may be due to the leaders of the nation, who have lessened the spirit of heroism among the people.
Today, we must not only honor those who take up arms against the invaders, but also those who fight for the name of the nation, such as outstanding scientists, dedicated teachers and leaders who evince integrity. They are achievers in their fields for the glory of Indonesia.
Surachman
Bogor
I am proud to be an Indonesian. Our freedom was not handed to us on a silver plate. It was won by struggle.
E Nurdin
Jakarta
Migrant workers are the current heroes of the nation. They endure for their families, despite abuse and with almost no help or attention from the government
The government only appears when something goes wrong and blows up in the media. In the past, a hero was someone who took up a gun to fight colonialism. Today, to be a hero is more difficult, as there are many challenges.
Kardi Nurhadi
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Lebaran greetings
As Muslims all over the world celebrate Idul Fitri, you, The Jakarta Post’s readers, are invited to send your greetings to your friends, relatives and loved ones, who are celebrating the holiday.
Send your greeting by email, SMS, Twitter or Facebook. Include your name and city.
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